SUMMARY
The analysis and generalization of the provisions of normative legal acts (NLA) regulating prescription and OTC drugs circulation in Ukraine have been conducted. The causes of violations in dispensing drugs by prescription are the problem of the healthcare system on the whole and the problem of the lack of control over the professional activities of doctors and pharmacists, and it requires a comprehen-sive approach to this issue by the government. It has been determined that the current legislation requires a clear regulation of the issues dealing with prescribing. In order to regulate the circulation of prescription narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors it is necessary to strengthen the responsibility of pharmacists for dispensing of prescription drugs without prescriptions, and the responsibility of doctors for prescriptions written incorrectly. The attitude of health professionals to dispensing drugs by prescription in Ukraine has been studied in the article. According to the questioning of pharmaceutists (pharmacists) it has been found that the vast majority of professionals are bound constantly to dispense prescription drugs without prescriptions during their work. At the same time they understand the social danger that is caused by breaking rules of dispensing drugs, which are excessively used by addicts, from pharmacies. The expert opinions concerning the causes of breaking rules in dispensing drugs from pharmacies and the frequency of inspections of pharmacies by law enforcement authorities have been assessed.